Michael L. Graham to Lead Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas Board of Trustees
Contact: Maria Carpenter, 214-820-4827Email: mariaca@baylorhealth.edu
(DALLAS - July 31, 2006) - Michael L. Graham is the new chairman the board of trustees for Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, the medical center announced recently. His two-year-term began July 1.
"Michael's strong leadership will be a great asset for Baylor as we strive to grow while maintaining our focus on patient care and quality," said John McWhorter, president, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas. "This institution has a rich history of achievement as witnessed by the recent rankings in U.S.News & World Report's 2006 "America's Best Hospitals" guide, in which Baylor was recognized among the nation's top 50 hospitals in seven specialties."
Graham succeeds Don Wills, whose two year term expired June 30, 2006.
Last year, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas treated almost 40,000 inpatients and more than 250,000 outpatients. The 997-bed hospital is a Level I trauma center with 1,300 physicians on the medical staff, nearly 200 medical residents and fellows, and 5,225 employees. About 600 clinical research trials are currently underway at Baylor Research Institute.
Graham received his undergraduate and his law degree from Baylor University. During the first part of his 33-years of legal experience, Graham served as a partner in Baker & Botts, LLP's offices in both Houston and Dallas. For the past decade, Graham's estate planning practice (the Graham Law Firm, P.C.) has been based in Highland Park.
A recognized legal expert in estate planning and probate law, Graham has published articles and presented seminars on this topic for the Communities Foundation of Texas, the Center for American and International Law, Wills, Trusts and Estate Planning Institute, the American College of Trust and Estate Counsel, and other groups. He is the past chairperson of the Real Estate, Probate and Trust Law section of the State Bar of Texas and a Fellow and Past Regent, American College of Trust and Estate Counsel. Other professional achievements include Past President, Texas Academy of Probate and Trust Lawyers and a Fellow, International Academy of Estate and Trust Lawyers.
"My experience thus far on the Baylor Dallas Board of Trustees has strengthened my vision and commitment for growth projects at Baylor-the expanding Emergency Department, for example-which will allow the hospital to continue providing critical medical services to residents of North Texas" says Mr. Graham, who was originally appointed to the board in January 2003.
Graham is a past member of the Dallas Symphony Association's executive committee and past treasurer/vice president of finance. Presently, he serves on board of directors of ODC Therapy, Inc., a Dallas-based biotech development company engaged in Stage 2 FDA trials, treating patients with metastatic melanoma. He has served as a board of trustee member for several hospitals within Baylor Health Care System.
Graham and his wife, June Baker Graham, have been married 37 years and are the parents of two adult children. Both actively participate in the Park Cities Baptist Church where they teach in the international department.
About Baylor Dallas
Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas, a 997-bed not-for-profit academic hospital, is a major patient care and research center in the southwest. The nationally acclaimed medical center serves as flagship hospital for Baylor Health Care System and has earned Magnet status for "Excellence in Nursing Services" from the American Nurses Credentialing Center - the organization's highest level of recognition.
In addition to its level one trauma center, Baylor Dallas is also home to many nationally ranked centers of excellence including transplant, cardiovascular services, orthopaedics, oncology, digestive diseases, neurosciences and gynecology. In fiscal year 2005, Baylor Health Care System will report $306 million in community benefit to the Department of State Health Services.